Mint Lemonade Cooler

The mint is growing crazily at the Blackburn home these days and one can only have so many mojitos before it is time to check into rehab. I had concocted this drink because of my love for both mint and lemons. Although I have made this drink sugar free, it can just as easily be made with sugar. I have added those additions in blue. This is going to make a little over 1.5 quarts or 4 servings.

So, here we go:

Ingredients

1 cup water
3/4 cup sweetener (sugar)
16 mint leaves or 1 package store mint package
3/4 cup FRESH SQUEEZED lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
6 cups diet 7-up (Regular 7-up)

Directions:

1) In a saucepan, heat water and sugar together. Rinse and add mint leaves and allow to steep for no less than 30 minutes.

2) Meanwhile, juice your lemons and pour juice into pitcher.

3) Remove mint leaves and pour simple syrup in pitcher.

4) Add 7-Up and stir gently. Chill well and pour into ice filled glass. Serve with additional mint leaves and lemon slices.